North Korea has escalated tensions with South Korea by sending hundreds more balloons laden with trash across the border, Seoul’s military reported on Monday. This move comes after Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, warned of further retaliation if South Korea continues its “psychological warfare” tactics.
In recent weeks, North Korea has been launching balloons into South Korea, carrying trash such as cigarette butts and toilet paper, in response to similar actions from activists in the South. The South Korean government, in retaliation, fully suspended a 2018 military agreement and resumed loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts along the border.
Kim Yo Jong issued a statement early Monday, warning South Korea of “bitter embarrassment” if they continue to pick up trash along the border. She labeled the activists’ leaflets as “psychological warfare” and threatened “new counteraction” if South Korea persists with its provocations.
Seoul’s military confirmed that North Korea launched over 300 trash-filled balloons overnight, but many of them ended up flying back towards North Korea due to unfavorable winds. However, around 50 balloons landed in South Korea, containing waste paper and plastic but nothing toxic.
While there have been no significant military movements observed in North Korea, signs of the installation of loudspeakers to broadcast towards the South have been detected.
Analysts suggest that North Korea is attempting to shift blame onto South Korea and justify its provocations. The escalating tit-for-tat actions raise concerns about potential unforeseen consequences, with both sides facing risks in the current situation.
